Weather Words for Winter

Although the winter so far has been unseasonably warm here in Finland, a series of low pressure zones approaching from the west have resulted in severe storms. High winds from the south and south-west, coupled with heavy sleet and snow falls, have felled hundreds of trees and brought down power lines, causing widespread power outages and some blackouts. Low pressure and southerly winds have combined to raise sea levels in the Quark by over a metre above datum. This has caused minor flooding and some damage (as seen above and below).

The temperature has hovered around zero Celsius, causing alternate freezing and thawing conditions. Snow has partially melted and then re-frozen overnight, making it hazardous for pedestrians and drivers alike. Although the snow is not yet deep, strong winds have created snowdrifts in places. In calmer bays a few centimetres of sea-ice has formed, although it is not yet thick enough to support walkers. In the open sea areas there is very little ice at all, which is unusual for this time of year.

Skies have remained heavily overcast for many days now, with occasional snow or sleet showers. This combined with sunrise and sunset only five hours apart makes everything rather dark and dull.